Painted Camera App Competition Winners Announced

The developers of the Painted Camera app (soon to be released) held a competition recently. Here are the results of the contest, reposted from Mobitog with permission from the developer of Painted Camera. (I'm over the moon that Gilles chose one of my images!)

From Gilles of the 11ers:

After a long delay and many life events (all of them good mind you, but some of them rather big, more of that later), here are finally the winners of the painted camera screenshot contest.

First some numbers: I gave away 28 promo codes total for this contest to mobitog and Geri Centonze blog, Art of Mob. I got over 220 submissions from 24 people!!! Wow!!! Much more than expected!

The quality of the submissions were remarkable, and after my first pass picking anything I loved and deemed worthy of representing my app I was down to... 77 images!!! Now you are starting to understand why it was so hard, I had to pick three!!! Three!!!

After much agony, soul searching, reversals and re-reversals, here are the three winners, in no specific order:

Sandy MacGowan sent a wonderful set of pictures taken on a snowy sunrise, to beautiful and rich results. She made singular yet stunning uses of the app, some of them I love even more than the one I picked for the app store as almost abstract and ethereal, but I pick this image for the contest as it is both simple and strong, and show you what you can get straight out of the app when you see something in the wild that you know will look very special with a glazed treatment.

© Sandy MacGowan

Andrea Bigiarini sent me a series of slightly post processed, intimate and warm renders. His eyes for contrast, color and composition is just exquisite. There were all taken in the streets of Florence, inside what I believe is his apartment or from his balcony, and I just adore them. I grew up in southern France and always had a huge soft spot for anything Italian, but even if I had not, I know I would still fall for this:

© Andrea Bigiarini

Geri Centonze sent me an amazing set of portraits. For the large number of submission I got, I actually didn't get as many portraits as I was hoping for, which is actually not taking anything away from Geri's submissions, which were stellar. Beautiful composition, lighting, perfect use of the app, beautiful texture choice looking great in large or small size, expressive, interesting, original subjects. It was actually hard to pick one from the many she sent me, but this one is just perfect.

© Geri Centonze

I picked these image not only for their qualities but also because I felt they meshed very well as a set to represent what the app can do. The three winners will get explicit mention on the App Store
and I will sent the nicest giclée print money can buy in Northern California.

I will also mention though, that until the very end I wanted to have in that list at least one entry from a fantastic mobile artist who sent me a barrage of submissions that just blew my mind: Alain Vincent. I have no idea how he does this. I know he is using the app, I have no idea how. I love his stuff so much, I think I watch it about every day on my iPad, but in the end I felt it was a bit too radical for the App Store page.

Here are two of the many entries Alain sent me:

© Alain Vincent

© Alain Vincent

I want to thank everybody who participated to this contest, many of you sent me tons of great renders and great feedback. I am also very proud to see how much joy you guys seemed to get from using the app.

much love,

Gilles
The 11ers

Geri's Note: As soon as Painted Camera is released on The App Store, I'll be posting about it here at Art of Mob.

Painterly Mobile Art - Gerry Coe

Gerry Coe is another regular contributor to our Flickr Group, Painterly Mobile Art.  I'm please to feature his beautiful piece Autumn Colours this week. 

Do you like to edit in a painterly style? Please join the group, we'd love to have you!

The Artist 

Gerry Coe - I live in Northern Ireland and have been a professional photographer for 50 years. I have covered almost all types of photography during my career but during the last 30 years or so I have concentrated on B&W portraiture mostly of children. I did a High Key style which had the look of a fine pencil drawing, naturally I called them Pencil Portraits. I have always been associated with the Amateur camera clubs and am at present the President of my local club, Bangor & North Down CC. 

As well as running my portrait studio I also ran a picture framing business which is still going but now run by a colleague, but I still do all my own mounting and framing for any exhibitions I hold or for clients who buy any of my pictures. I have always been associated with the Art side of photography and Art in general and have had many of my photographs accepted into mainstream and prestigious exhibitions. I have always been experimenting with Photoshop to try to get a more painterly look to my work, some of which worked out well. 

About 4 years ago a lot of my friends were getting iPhones and so I got one too. Now as a “real” photographer you know that you cannot get good photographs out of a wee 5mp sensor with a crappy plastic lens (iPhone 4),  but I started to see some work by a good friend of mine Dan Burkholder and was amazed at what he could achieve from his phone photos, so I emailed Dan, asked him what he was doing with all these wonderful pictures and he replied with three words, “Selling them Gerry"…the penny dropped and I then started to investigate all the apps that where available. I must say it has totally rejuvenated my photography and given me a new outlook on my work. I am a Fellow of the British Institute of Professional Photographers (BIPP), the Master Photographers Assoc (MPA), The Royal Photographic Society (RPS), and the Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers (SWPP). I recently received a second Fellowship from the BIPP for a panel of images all done on an iPhone, the first time anyone anywhere has done this, to the best of my knowledge.

The Work

Autumn Colours © Gerry Coe

Gerry's Commentary

I suppose I really am a frustrated artist, I can’t really draw or paint so that is why I became a photographer. When I was working in Photoshop I was looking to produce a painterly style to some of my work and now with all the wonderful apps available it can be done very easily, push one button and you get a result, and here is the problem. This is a bit like Cokin filters of a few years ago where every picture had a “Tobacco Grad” to enhance the sky and everybody could recognise it.  The same problem can occur with some of the apps as well. What I have found is that the secret really lies in combining various elements of each of these painterly style apps to create a unique look that is not easily reproduced by everyone else. 

The picture “Autumn Colours” is one such picture. It is fairly recent but represents how I have moved and used different apps. The original was taken with the iPhone camera and then I worked on it in Snapseed to enhance the colours etc. Next, I was using Repix, Glaze, Photofx, Superimpose, and then back into Snapseed at the end to clean up colours. The apps are listed but not in any particular order and there were many variations of each app. I was just spending time working out what looked the best. I wanted an almost abstract style. I am a great lover of the Impressionist painters and that is the way I like to see my work. Although I am still a great lover of B&W work and still do it, I find my “Painterly” style to be big and bold on color   

One thing I will say, although a lot of people like this type of “Painterly” picture I do find a lot of people who are not keen on it as it is not really “Art”, but it is me trying to imitate Art. So it is generating quite a bit of controversy within my own circle of friends, etc. I do understand what they are saying but to me it is just another way of expressing myself. One comment made when I said I would be doing an exhibition of my work was, “Are you doing your photographs or some more of those Painterly Pot Boilers?”  Anyway I hope some of you like this one. 

Find Gerry: Website / Coe Artworks / Flickr / Instagram


Links to apps mentioned:

Snapseed
Repix
Glaze
Photo fx
Superimpose

Create a Botanical Illustration with Apps

In this tutorial, I will explain my workflow for taking this photo:

and turning it into this one that has the quality of a botanical illustration:

Step 1 - Diptic

Insert the original image in both the upper and lower frames of a Diptic 2-photo square layout. (This step is optional - I did this to make my image look like a circle of flowers)

Next, flip the bottom image so it creates a mirror image of the top one and then decrease the white borders. Save results. (This could also be done by using any of the apps that produce mirror images)

Step 2 - Snapseed

Open Image 2 in Snapseed and adjust Tuning Brightness -10, Ambiance +20, Warmth +25.  Apply changes and adjust Details: Structure +50. Apply changes and save.

Step 3 - Tangled FX

Open image 3 in Tangled FX and adjust to your liking (to view one of my customized Tangled FX formulas, check out this post). Save changes.

Step 4 - Painteresque

Open Image 4 in Painteresque and use Painteresque2 Style - Save changes.

Step 5 - Tangled FX 

Open Image 5 and run it through Tangled FX one more time.  Save changes.

Step 6 - Snapseed

If needed make final adjustments to Tuning: Brightness -10, Ambiance +20, Saturation -10, Warmth +20. Apply. Finally apply a Center Focus and adjust Blur Strength +40, Outer Brightness -60 and Inner Brightness +35. Save Final Changes

Here are a couple more samples using basically the same technique. If you find your edited image is too strong, you can always tone it down by combining it with one of the earlier stages using a blender app like Image Blender.

43mm Magazine Releases Mobile Art Exposée

43mm Magazine just released Issue 3 of their online magazine. This issue is totally dedicated to mobile photography and is titled, Mobile Art Exposée. The issue is available to view below (I've conveniently opened it to the pages featuring my work) You can view all of the back issues here. 

**Some explicit material is contained in the issue** 

Dreaming With Eyes Open © Geri Centonze

I am extremely honored that TZIPAC, the publisher invited me to be a part of this issue. Other featured artists include Cedric Blanchon, Clint Cline, Shirley Drevich, Sarah Jarrett, Roger Guetta, Patricia Larson, James Clarke, Gianluca Ricoveri, Michelle Robinson, Nick Hoffer along with 20 more contributing artists. TZIPAC not only publishes 43mm Magazine but also runs juried competitions targeting different themes and skills. Visit their site to learn more about them. 

Trying Out a Skipology Tutorial - Creating Atmospheric Fog

Living inland in Southern California, it's not very often that we get a foggy morning, but I do love the look of fog in a photograph. Luckily Skip Brown, author of the Skipology website recently posted a tutorial to help you create your own foggy atmosphere.

I decided to give it a try. I didn't have a suitable photo in my camera roll, so I am using a royalty free image from MorgueFile by clconroy.

Here's the before photo

Original photo by clconroy

And below is the After photo using some Skip "magic" with Snapseed, Superimpose and VSCO Cam!

After Edit

The tutorial is very straightforward. The only trouble I had was figuring out Superimpose because it's one that I don't use often, but after I found my way around the app, I was able to create my own foggy photo. (Note: Skip does have a Superimpose tutorial as well - I need a refresher course!)

Please head over to my buddy Skip's site to view the full tutorial and while you're there you'll want to subscribe because he's always coming up with great tutorials like this!

The Whole Story - Photo by Joel Adam

This week's image is by the very talented Joel Adam. This is Joel's second Whole Story feature. His first can be viewed here. 

For a chance to be featured just tag your Instagram mobile photos with the hashtag #the_whole_story.

The Photograph

I'm not sleepy © Joel Adam

The Whole Story by Joel Adam

This photo was taken with ProCamera using it's timer feature.  I took two shots with me in different positions and masked/layered through Image Blender.  I then used iColorama's Shatter brush #33 to paint across the head and neck.  Snapseed was used for the "grunge", and Mextures' grain layer "1970". Finally the image was made black and white using VSCO Cam's "X3" preset, along with some slight sharpening, and fading.   After completion it reminded me of someone who just crossed paths with The Headless Horseman, hence the title "I'm not sleepy".  Kind of a play on words with my Instagram username "asleepundercolumnsovlight".  

The Photographer

I'm originally from Illinois but now reside in Louisiana with my wife and son. By day I'm a logistics coordinator for the US Army, and a mobile arts enthusiast the rest of the time. I've always been in touch with the arts in one form or another, mostly culinary and music, but it wasn't until I purchased an iPhone that I really developed a passion for mobile artistry. My work has been featured on many curated mobile photography sites and I was fortunate enough to have it displayed in the 2012 LA Mobile Arts Festival. 

Find Joel: Flickr / iphoneart / AMPt / Backspaces / EyeEm / We Are JUXT

Apps Mentioned:

ProCamera

Image Blender

iColorama

Snapseed

Mextures

VSCO Cam

The Emotional Art of Alex Visage

It has been a while since I posted a featured full interview with a mobile photographer, but I'm sure you will agree when you see the work of Alex Visage that is was well worth the wait!

Geri:  What is your name and where do you live? 

Alex:  My name is Alex Visage (Alex Drozhin). I live in Moscow, Russia.

Geri:  How did you get started in mobile photography?

Alex:  I have been taking photos since 2008, when the first iPhone appeared in my life. In those days camera capabilities were modest and I had to process photos on my computer. Nowadays, thanks to modern technologies we have unlimited possibilities, so you can take pictures, immediately do post-processing on your gadget and then upload photos on the internet. It makes things easier and all depends on your imagination.

Tommy © Alex Visage

Tanya © Alex Visage

Geri:  What device do you use?

Alex:  I use iPhone 4S and iPhone 5S at the moment. Also I have the Olloclip 3-in-1, 4-in-1 and telephoto. It helps me to do new experiments in art of iPhoneography.

Geri:  Do you have a traditional photography or art background?

Alex:  Actually, I don’t have any art degree, although I have been drawing since childhood. Also I had private lessons in drawing when I was a student. My father was an artist and that is why I always have had the opportunity to learn something new in art. My father taught me how to take pictures when I was a child. My first camera was a Zenit and I printed black and white photographs myself. Although I have a professional camera Canon 5D with multiple lenses L-series, I prefer to take and process photos with my iPhone.

A Paris...© Alex Visage

Lady "No Name" III © Alex Visage

Geri:  How would you describe your style?

Alex:  I don’t know exactly what to call my style as I like to do my pictures in various styles. I would call it "emotional art" as it is more about my soul than technical issues. The main task for me is not to leave people indifferent when they see my photos. I get great pleasure not only when I make the photos but also when I can see the end result of my work.

The Girl and Balloon © Alex Visage

The Loneliness © Alex Visage

Geri:  Who or what inspires you?

Alex:  I am inspired by life itself, people I meet and what people create with their own hands and intellect. I am inspired by painting, architecture, design. I often go to Paris, my favorite city. I'm planning to do a project dedicated to Paris, which will reflect my emotions and attitudes towards this wonderful city. I have many friends among iPhoneographers. I am grateful to Paul Brown, whom I consider as my teacher and the best photographer.

Femme D'automne © Alex Visage

Lady "Dior" © Alex Visage

Lady "No Name" VI © Alex Visage

Geri:  What is your favorite subject to shoot?

Alex:  I love taking photos of people. There are a lot of fates, sentiments, characters and emotions. I also like taking photos of mannequins animating them in my photos to make a special visual effect. When I travel I shoot a lot of photos of different streets and cities. I have a series of abstract and fantasy works. You can see these works in my gallery on Flickr or Instagram.

Prague I © Alex Visage

Mini World © Alex Visage

Geri:  I like the series that includes The Lemon Dance - what inspired that?

Alex:  The Lemon Dance… I always wanted to work with composition and with objects in space. I was thinking what "thing" I could put in space and what I could do with it. The idea of ​​the lemon came and due to my stay in Prague, I remembered about puppets that come to life thanks to the threads. The idea of a dancing lemon appeared.

The Lemon Dance © Alex Visage

The Cat's Cradle © Alex Visage

Geri:  Do you have any favorite apps that you use regularly?  

Alex:  I have 300 applications in my iPhone. Some favorites are Snapseed, Photoshop Touch, Filterstorm, Repix, Mextures, PhotoForge, Image Blender, TouchRetouch, Distressed FX, iColorama S, Photogene, Facetune, Handy Photo, LensLight, Camera360, Laminar Pro, VSCO Cam, Squaready, Superimpose, Impression, Over.

The most important thing is to learn to use multiple apps simultaneously. I usually do a photo on the main camera and then work with different apps. I also like to use Hipstamatic. I work only with my iPhone and don’t use any computers. That is important for me.

The Fashion Show © Alex Visage

The White Rose © Alex Visage

When Love is Gone © Alex Visage

Geri:  Have you ever exhibited your work?  If not, any plans to do so?

Alex:  I have not had any exhibitions but I am thinking about this constantly. I have a great desire to show my works. I am collecting material for the exhibition at the moment, I have a lot of thematic works which I can share with others.

Find Alex: Facebook / Flickr / Flipboard / Instagram / iPhoneart

Painterly Mobile Art Monday - No. 20

paint-er-ly 
adjective
of or appropriate to a painter; artistic

As the Painterly Mobile Art Flickr Group continues to grow, I've found it necessary to limit the number of entries per week to 3 per member. To view more work by each artist, just click on an image below.

All mobile artists who edit in a painterly way and would like to join our group are welcome.

Bouquet © Roland Boesiger

Reflecting © Trish G

Untitled © Erika Brothers

Wait it - 4 © Federica Corbelli

Split Personality © Andrea Koerner

/0iii © Brett Chenoweth

Winter Solstice © Anne Highfield

Cracow, St. Joseph's Church Facade © Dr. Pajchiwo

Feeling Better - 24 hour bug © Caroline Jensen

Untitled © Wayne Greer

Untitled © Maarten Oortwijn

Hunter © Sarah Jarrett

Backyard Christmas © Ron B

Doubleface © Andrea Bigiarini

Union Station © Karen L Messick

Arrangements in Easton #2 © Nicki Fitz-Gerald

Fierce © Clint Cline

Snooze © Mike Bowers

Untitled © Jane Fiala

ACACIA!!.. © Steve Cooper

Elements of Vachag © Armineh Hovanesian 

Bridesmaid 2 © Paula Broom

Connected © Arnold Hayes

Italian Style © Gerry Coe

Tearing Apart © Nico Brons

Revised Myths 13 - Arianna © Giancarlo Beltrame

The Great Migration © Wayman Stairs

Obninsk © Vadim Demjianov

After Thought © Eraddatz Photo

The Parachute Factory © Buzzntwentyfourseven

The Grande Dame © Geri Centonze